What They’re Wearing at James Corner Field Operations

For many of the 40 employees at James Corner Field Operations, the landscape architecture firm behind the High Line in Manhattan and Freshkills Park on Staten Island, preparing to work in any environment is second nature. From walking in the woods to climbing ladders, to presenting at community board meetings and Mayor Bloomberg’s office, wardrobe choices involve work boots and a hard hat one day, a tailored jacket and heels the next.

“I need to think about exactly what I’m doing that day and how to wear something that still looks pulled together and professional,” said Isabel Castilla, an associate who visits the High Line every other day.

Sarah Weidner Astheimer, senior associate, said she feels the additional pressure to look stylish as a design professional. “If you go into a meeting or an interview and you look horrible, then they’re going to totally judge you, and judge your potential design abilities,” she said.”